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We are now into the double digits for the weeks as we approach Week 10. Let’s take a look at some bold predictions for fantasy football this week.
After allowing a good game from Tyrod Taylor, the Seahawks allow Tom Brady to throw for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns
In what probably seemed impossible for a 39-year-old quarterback who has only played four games this season, Tom Brady has been playing at MVP level. He has 1,319 yards passing (329 on average) with 12 passing touchdowns and no interceptions. He has thrown for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns in three of his four games so far this season , but now faces a tough Seattle defense. The Seahawks have given up only two passing touchdowns over the past three games and still boast one of the best defenses in the league. Unfortunately for them, Brady is probably the best quarterback they will have faced so far. With Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, James White, Chris Hogan, Martellus Bennett and perhaps Dion Lewis with him on the field, Brady is in for a huge game, no matter the opponent.
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Even though he is on a tear, Drew Brees slows down a bit against the Broncos
Brees has thrown for 1,420 yards (355 on average), 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions over the last four games. He, like Brady, has been playing at a very elite level this season. Unfortunately, he faces the Broncos this weekend, who have given up only 582 passing yards (194 on average) with only two touchdowns conceded and three interceptions over the past three games. The last few games has been without starting cornerback Aqib Talib as well, who could be back this weekend. Brees is virtually matchup proof this season in fantasy, but this could be the one matchup where he struggles a bit. He could still do well, but not necessarily as good as we’ve seen him do so far this season.
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Not only does David Johnson do well against the 49ers, he has at least 225 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns
In an absolute dream scenario for Johnson, he gets to face the 49ers this weekend. San Francisco has seven straight games where it has given up at least 100 yards rushing to an opposing running back, with 585 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns overall in the past two games alone. Johnson has arguably been the best running back in the league this season with 1,112 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns in eight games. His season high in scrimmage yards in a single game is 185 yards, which he did against the 49ers in Week 5. But with the team having lost Arik Armstead and NaVorro Bowman among others this season, this is an even more positive matchup. Not only could Johnson pass the 200-yard mark this weekend, but he could also have multiple touchdowns. He is in for an absolute monster of a game.
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Despite likely coming back from a concussion, the Panthers give Spencer Ware headaches
After missing Week 9, Ware looks ready to return this weekend against the Panthers. While he has broken out this season in a big way, he has a very tough matchup here. Carolina has given up only 82 yards rushing over the past two games combined and 240 yards overall to opposing running backs. While that is a good chunk of yardage, the Panthers also haven’t given up a single touchdown to an opposing running back since Week 4. Ware could still have a decent game, but this matchup will prevent him from having his usual high-scoring game.
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With a much easier matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend, Jordan Howard has another terrific game
Against one of the best defenses in Minnesota in Week 9, Jordan Howard had a breakout game with 202 yards from scrimmage. He is now the unquestioned starter in Chicago and gets to face a Buccaneers defense, who has given up 482 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns to opposing running backs over the past three games. They have given up 100+ yards from scrimmage to three running backs this season (Tevin Coleman, David Johnson, Devonta Freeman) and also seven rushing touchdowns in eight games this season. Howard is in line for at least 18-20 touches, if not more. He has the chance to follow up his breakout game last week with an equally as impressive one this weekend.
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In a terrific matchup, Jordan Matthews has a great game against the Falcons
While his quarterback, rookie Carson Wentz, may have been inconsistent this season, Matthews has had himself a solid year. He has at least 65 yards receiving in six of his eight games this season. He has seen 24 targets, 17 receptions, 153 yards and one touchdown over the past two games and is in line for a great game in a great matchup for him. Atlanta has given up 732 yards receiving (244 on average) and seven touchdowns to opposing wide receivers over the past three games. In what could be a high-scoring affair against the Falcons’ high-powered offense, the Eagles may be forced to rely on the pass to keep up. Matthews is established as the team’s number one target in the passing game and should benefit greatly this weekend.
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Allen Robinson has been solid lately but will have issues against the Texans strong defense
After a very rocky start to the season, Robinson has 26 targets, 13 receptions, 146 yards and a touchdown over the past two games. He has at least 70 yards receiving in both of those games and looks like he may be getting on track. But he faces the Texans this weekend, who have given up only 220 yards receiving and a touchdown to opposing wide receivers over the past two games. They have been extremely effective against the pass and Blake Bortles could struggle in a tough matchup. Especially if Allen Hurns does not play this weekend, Robinson will see plenty of attention from the Texans and may not be able to make many plays. His outlook for this weekend doesn’t look good.
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As the Jets have struggled lately, so does Brandon Marshall against the Rams
The Jets have been a disappointment this season after looking like a playoff contender last season. Part, if not most, can be blamed on the play of their quarterback(s). Ryan Fitzpatrick has been an utter disappointment and is now dealing with a knee injury. Brandon Marshall has been directly affected by this , struggling compared to how he played last season. With only two games with more than 100 yards receiving and only two touchdowns in nine games this season, Marshall has been a disappointment because of the inconsistent quarterback play. Not to mention, he faces the Rams this weekend, who have given up only 298 yards and no touchdowns over the past two games. Marshall hasn’t had a touchdown in four consecutive games and looks like he could be on his way to making it five given his quarterback situation and his matchup.
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While he has played well lately, Antonio Gates is stopped in his tracks against the Dolphins
Believe it or not, the Dolphins have been extremely difficult on opposing tight ends over the past couple of games. They have given up just three receptions and 36 yards. Gates and the Chargers play them this weekend. He does have nine receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games, but Hunter Henry may also be able to return this weekend after missing some time with a concussion. Henry’s return would eat into Gates’ playing time. Combined with the awful matchup he has, Gates is not recommended this weekend.
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Zach Miller goes for at least 60 yards and a touchdown if not two against the Bucs
Miller has 15 receptions and 164 yards receiving over the past three games on 25 targets. He has been a consistent performer in fantasy and one of Jay Cutler’s favorite targets since coming back from injury. He faces the Buccaneers this weekend, who have given up 173 yards and three touchdowns over the past three games to opposing tight ends. That includes two last weekend to Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo. Miller will be in a prime spot to put up decent yardage and a score, if not more than one in this great matchup. He is a great play this weekend.
Follow Doug on Twitter @DMooreNFL. Check out Doug’s articles on 2016’s most underdrafted fantasy players and bounce back candidates for the year.
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